Good morning, Springfield.

A press conference last week at HSHS St. John’s Pavilion kicked off National Child Abuse Prevention Month as healthcare leaders, advocates, and officials urged community support for protecting children.

Mayor Misty Buscher declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Springfield and attendees planted blue pinwheels as a national symbol.

Staab Family will host Kids Good Grief Camp on April 12 from noon to 4 p.m. at Erin’s Pavilion (Southwind Park, 4965 S.

Second St) to help children ages 6 to 12 cope with loss through art, planting projects and therapist support; registration costs $10 with scholarships available.

National Deep-Dish Pizza Day was celebrated on April 5th when local Springfield pizzerias served up hearty pies that honor the iconic style invented in Chicago in the 1940s by Ike Sewell + Richard Riccardo.

City Water, Light and Power won first place in a regional drinking water taste test early today and will compete in the statewide contest.

The utility — serving about 150,000 residents — credited its operators and chemists for delivering safe and reliable water.

Springfield’s Old State Capitol parking garage switched to a fully automated system on April 1, cutting monthly parking from $85 to $65 and paving the way for planned renovations — including an elevator upgrade and new accessibility ramps.

The change aims to improve security and free up street parking downtown.

Residents must file their tax returns by Apr.

15 or request an extension to finish by Oct. 15+but owed taxes still incur penalties and fees.

Dr. Kate Viotto from Memorial Health warns that Springfield residents may face spring allergies and active ticks as they spend more time outdoors.

She advises using over-the-counter antihistamines (like Zyrtec or Claritin) and proper tick removal to avoid complications.

The UIS men's golf team will play at the Ken Partridge Invitational in Noblesville on Sunday and Monday with a revised 27-hole format each day due to weather concerns.

The team, including Julien Babineau and Sacha Lamraski, enters the tournament with strong momentum from recent wins.

Toddler Time Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and activities that foster language skills for toddlers.